Morbi Ceramics 2006: an unqualified success!

In spite of the huge logistical problems in attempting to hold an international standard exhibition in such a remote area, Morbi Ceramics 2006, the first in what is to become an established series of ceramics technology, product and raw material exhibitions across India for Exposales Ltd, was voted on all sides as a huge success.

Morbi is an unique area, having the highest
concentration (around 400) of  ceramics manufacturers within India, and yet no international or domestic airport, and sketchy (at best!) infrastructure links to ports and the nearest major city of Rajkot. That said, the local industry has expanded dramatically in the last ten years and now represents one of the most exciting areas for growth in the global ceramic industry. It is only a matter of time before Morbi-made ceramics are received in markets world-wide.

Over 20,000 visitors poured through the doors of the temporary, purpose-built structure that was erected in the shadow of one of the region¹s major sanitaryware manufacturers, Sona Ceramics. The exhibition took place in 3,000 sq metres of air-conditioned comfort, all materials for the construction of the site having been transported 750 km north from Mumbai to Morbi, Gujarat, especially for the event. Construction of the site, which took just four days from start to finish, was completed in what were some of the most testing circumstances (no immediate power or water) and yet the end result was an exhibition hall that, whilst temporary, provided all the necessary comforts and requirements of more permanent exhibition centres elsewhere in India.
With over 70 exhibitors from all over India, Europe and China represented, business at the exhibition was brisk to say the least. Marketed via its own website and through the pages of the world¹s leading ceramics magazine, Asian Ceramics, Morbi Ceramics 2006 managed to attract visitors from not just the Indian sub-continent itself, but from as far afield as North America, Australia and all over Europe to what is a distant corner of India relatively untouched by international companies, suppliers and outsourcers.

Media coverage of the event was also extensive. In the build-up to the show, Managing Editor of Asian Ceramics magazine, Andy Skillen, was interviewed by several regional newspapers, whilst at the show itself the magazine¹s links with the Indian media ensured that the entire exhibition was covered widely by the national heavyweight newspapers and television. Morbi Ceramics 2006 was a show that was talked about not just in Gujarat, but right across the country.

The most important thing of course was that this event was not just a one-off and has set the tone for a steady series of ever-expanding exhibitions for the coming years in India.

What is more, already 85% of the exhibitors from this year¹s show have confirmed their presence at the upcoming 2007 event, whilst a large number of companies that were not able to exhibit, but nevertheless attended this year¹s event, are already making serious enquiries for next year¹s exhibition.
It is expected that around 5,000 sq metres will be required for the next event, as Exposales takes its Morbi Ceramics roadshow to Mumbai. Back to ceramics index